Hoosier State Offensive Tackles to Watch Part 2- 2022

A rule of thumb in recruiting offensive linemen is to always look in the Midwest.  The 2022 class might be the deepest crop in the history of the state.  Below is part 2 of our analysis on offensive tackles in Indiana.   [player_tooltip player_id="98001" first="Tyson" last="Miller"]- 6’6” 265- Lafayette Jefferson Miller brings an athletic frame to the table and excels when used as a puller.  He creates wide running lanes when down blocking and typically buries his man when out in space with a full head of steam.  He shows good patience in pass pro and waits to deliver his strike rather than lunging at a first move.  Miller can keep improving upon his hand placement, as he tends to get wide at times and can rely often on his size and length rather than technique.  He reports offers from Illinois State and Indiana State.   [player_tooltip player_id="97820" first="Cooper" last="Koers"]- 6’6” 265- Cathedral Koers is one of the most technically sound tackles in the state, who displays a great level of body control for his size.  His ability to bend and maintain leverage in the run game is phenomenal, not solely relying on size and momentum as many linemen do.  Koers can run out ahead on pulls and has a great demeanor when blocking out in space.  He’s aggressive in the pass game but needs to show more consistent footwork in his sets.  Koers has a bevy of offers from MAC and Ivy League schools, in addition to Air Force and Tulane.  His ceiling is very high, and his game can go through the roof as he keeps adding mass and strength.   [player_tooltip player_id="98066" first="Max" last="Williams"]- 6’6” 290- Lebanon Williams is a big-bodied left tackle that certainly looks the part.  He’s very strong and often wins with power.  He also has a nice motor and continues his block down the field and plays through the whistle.  He has a strong anchor in pass protection and will usually win the rep if he gets his hands on the defender.  He needs to keep working on his lateral quickness to not get beat inside and clean up his false steps in run blocking.  Williams currently reports offers from Indiana State and Columbia.   [player_tooltip player_id="98094" first="Chris" last="Hood"]- 6’8” 325- East Noble One of the most physically imposing players in the state at 6’8” 325, Hood plays with a mean streak and has a well-rounded skill set.  He has good strength in both the upper and lower body and bends very well for a player of his stature.  His hands tend to get wide in run blocking but that can be an easy fix. He reports offers from Tulane, Ball State, Indiana State, and Lehigh and should get increased P5 interest.   [player_tooltip player_id="39056" first="Hunter" last="Whitenack"]- 6’7” 320- New Prairie Whitenack is another massive lineman whose tape consists mostly of pancakes.  He’s excellent on combo blocks and shows great quickness in coming off his block and finding the scraping linebacker.  He frequently takes out multiple defenders because of his wide frame and can move the entire pile in a down block.  Whitenack is also a standout wrestler, winning the regional championship 2 years in a row.  He currently reports offers from Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Ball State, Cincinnati, and Tulane amongst others, and could very well end up playing in the Big10.   Jack Darlington- 6’4” 280- Crown Point Darlington is a very athletic lineman that performs well in space.  He’s quick on combo blocks and has a fast kick step to negate a speed rush.  He opens holes when down blocking and has suddenness to his movements.  He can keep adding strength and might end up shifting from left tackle to guard at the next level depending on what system he’s in.  Darlington currently reports an offer from Air Force.   Patrick Meek- 6’4” 315- Roncalli Meek is the right tackle for arguably the top offensive line in the state in defending 4A state champions Roncalli.  Meek was off to a promising start before an injury ended his season prematurely.  He’s excellent with keeping his hands inside and delivers a nice punch.  He keeps his feet moving on contact and can wash down the defensive line.  The shortened season didn’t provide many pass sets, so it’s early to tell if a move inside might be in his best interest or not.